UPDATE: Dozens of firefighters injured from Tyson plant fire
Jan 16, 2025
BERRYVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — UPDATE: Two dozen firefighters and an employee have been treated and released from a hospital for chemical burns on Jan. 15 after battling a fire that broke out at a Tyson Foods plant in Berryville, according to local NBC affiliate KY3.
Carroll County Judge David Writer says the fire started around 7 p.m. Crews contained it shortly before 10 p.m. Investigators have not said what started the fire or where it began. Multiple fire departments responded to the fire.
First responders do not know what caused the fire yet, said Carroll County, Arkansas, Emergency Management Director Mike McKelvey to KY3.
The chemical burns were from 99% Caustic Soda Beads, which are used for various purposes, including industrial cleaning and degreasing, water treatment and purification, chemical manufacturing and synthesis, food processing and preparation, and pulping and bleaching processes in the paper and pulp industry.
KY3 reports that firefighters are in stable condition. Tyson Foods was said to have sent out a Hazmat remediation team.
In a statement to KY3, Tyson said: “We appreciate the quick response from emergency personnel following a fire at our Berryville facility on Wednesday evening. The fire was extinguished, and we have resumed operations. The safety of our team members and the community is our top priority, and we are working closely with authorities to determine the cause of the incident.”
McKelvey tells KY3 there are no risks to the public outside the plant.